'This is an opportunity to rehearse a worst-case scenario that we hope will never happen'
We've been given access to a major training exercise on the Somerset Levels to see what would happen if the pumps stopped working
Last updated 23rd Apr 2021
Staff from The Environment Agency have been practicing installing temporary flood pumps in case of a failure.
West Sedgemoor Pumping Station is found at Stathe in the heart of a Site of Special Scientific Interest where its three pumps move tonnes of water between the River Parrett and West Sedgemoor Main Drain.
Part contingency planning, part training exercise, the week-long exercise which finishes today moved temporary pumps from the Bradney Depot to West Sedgemoor.
Ryan Kennedy, from the Environment Agency said: “This is an opportunity to rehearse a worst-case scenario that we hope will never happen in real life, but it is good that we are prepared and know what to if this does happen. We are making sure our people and tools are ready for such an event.
“There is a lot of careful planning around this exercise to prevent any impact on the SSSI, so our biodiversity officers are checking every stage and the replacement pumps will only be operated for short periods.”
The exercise started on Monday with two large pumps able to move one tonne of water per second - along with their pipework and associated tools being transported and installed.
The exercise involved installing devices in line with safe Covid-19 working practices.
For more official Government flood risk advice click here